Explaining the causes and factors related to nurse migration from the perspective of nursing students in Iran: a...

Nurse migration represents a critical determinant in the depletion of the professional healthcare workforce in developing countries.

In light of the limited empirical evidence in this domain, the present study sought to investigate the underlying factors influencing nurse migration, as perceived by nursing students.

This qualitative content analysis study included 24 nursing students who voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in 24 separate sessions, each lasting between 60 and 70 min, with one session per participant. The final number of participants (24) was determined by the point at which data saturation was reached, meaning that no new concepts or codes emerged from the data. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis based on Zhang's (2009) approach, while adhering to Guba and Lincoln's trustworthiness criteria. MAXQDA2020 software was utilized for data management.

Data analysis resulted in 500 initial codes, 9 subcategories, and 4 main categories: 1- Structural barriers and career mobility opportunities, 2- Exploring a new world of welfare and advanced facilities, 3- Difficulties and Challenges of Migration, 4-Transformations in human and social relationships in a new environment.

The findings indicated that nursing students perceive migration as a means of achieving career advancement and enhancing their quality of life; however, they emphasize the need for greater institutional support to facilitate adaptation and to overcome the associated challenges.